Welcome to our latest Crow Chronicle towards the 2019 Stone the Crows Festival.
Our recent visit to CrowLand was to inspect the latest changes to the site so we can finalise the site layout for 2019. And, once again, there will be some changes necessary, but thank goodness not as many as last Festival where we had to relocate over 100 sites.
The first observation in Copland Street was the fencing across the whole block with two huge sliding gates. The fencing will give security for those sited near the ACTA Head Office building.
New Fencing at Copland Street
The new 8m wide concrete road
The new building was officially opened in October
and was named "The Range Function Centre".
This tall sign is obvious coming either way down Copland Street.
Builder Kerry Pascoe recycled it from a motel sign.
For 2019, we will still be utilising two entry gates for the arrival of the flock on Friday April 19 - Copland Street and Tasman Road.
With changes to the layout due to this massive concrete road, some powered sites have been lost but the up-side is that the transformer upgrade has been finalised and we will be able to access the "blue boxes" in the individual shooting range areas.
Once the site plan is revamped, we will know exactly how many powered sites are available and those who are already on the waiting list will be offered first refusal of any additional sites. After that waiting list is exhausted, we will call for any expressions of interest for power (should there be any available). Please remember that some sites are 10 amp, others 15 amp and you need to ensure you have appropriate connectors for both amperages.
The new online booking form in the revamped website has been very well utilised BUT PLEASE check the information you enter before pressing the submit button. Last week we had a car/caravan total length 3 metres (a bit impossible) - turns out it should have been 13 m. It saves a lot of work at this end querying information if you could spare a bit of time to make sure you put the correct information into every field. Don't know those other booking formats would ever cope with the various details which are incorrect. It needs a human to check!
BALANCE OF PAYMENT - if you have paid a deposit for an unpowered site, please arrange for payment of the balance no later than December 30 so we can allocate sites according to your requirements, i.e. groups together, special needs such as restricted mobility etc etc.
Bank account is Stone the Crows Festival BSB 633 000 Account No 146065693 at the Bendigo Bank or you can ring and pay by credit card (Chrissy 0408 729 580). If I don't answer, please leave a message and I will ring you back as we are also working on all the Daddy Day Care kits out in the shed and might not be able to pick up the phone immediately.
Anzac Day Commemoration - part of our Thursday program will include a commemorative service of thanks to all who have served in all theatres of war to give us this wonderful lifestyle we all cherish. Part of the Crafty Crows activities will include creating red and purple poppies (for humans and animals) and Daddy Day Care will have a timber poppy wreath.
We have also created a special limited edition polo shirt. The pocket will have Stone the Crows Festival with our Crow Logo and the words "Lest We Forget".
If you would like to order one of these shirts, you need to do so through the website. Cost will be subsidised at $30 per shirt sublimate printed and you can either pay in full for collection at the Festival or pay a non refundable $15 deposit with the balance to be paid at the Merchandise Shop on arrival. The colour of the collar will probably be a blue/grey tone and similarly the pocket ... the final decision will be made once the sample shirt is produced.
Closing date for orders will be January 10, 2019.
Volunteers ... Once again we are embarrassed by the offers of assistance from our flock. Regrettably not all who have volunteered can possibly be utilised but we do have a reserve list, so don't despair someone's inability to attend could mean you are in. The only area where we definitely need a few more members is the cleaning team with Maree White as the team leader. If this is of interest, please email Chrissy.
The volunteers' shirt similarly has an ANZAC theme with the same soldier ... you will have to wait and see the surprise design.
An email in the very near future will confirm who is in which team and all volunteers will be asked to nominate their shirt sizes in case you have lost or found weight - same manufacturer as last year.
There are still some unpowered sites available for all sized vehicles, so if you are thinking of coming, don't delay as with bookings at current levels four months out, it looks like the whole 500 sites will be full once again. The Chief Crows are so pleased our planning and program meets with your approval and really appreciate how you have spread the word on the grey nomad grapevine once again this year.
Till next time, travel safely and take care
Chrissy, Jim, Grant and our fantastic team who make it all happen.